The Euro7 standard

Several car manufacturers, including Stellantis, Volkswagen, Skoda and others, have strongly criticized the future Euro 7 standard in Europe. Some leaders have even called it “useless”. It seems that there is a glimmer of hope for opponents to these new standards. At the end of September 2023, European Union ministers agreed on less stringent rules.

The decision, not yet final

Faced with opposition from car manufacturers and member states such as France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, the ministers chose not to make significant changes to the existing Euro 6 standards for cars and vans. However, the rules will be stricter for buses and trucks.

Although this decision is official, it is not yet final. Spain, which holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, presented a compromise text that received the approval of the Council of the European Union. The final version of the law will need to be reviewed and signed by the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission.

“We believe that, with this proposal, we achieved broad support, a balance in the investment costs of the manufacturing brands and we improve the environmental benefits derived from the regulation”, stated Hector Gomez Hernandez, Spanish minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism.

“The member states’ position is an improvement on the European Commission’s Euro 7 proposal – which was entirely disproportionate, driving high costs for industry and customers, with limited environmental benefits. The Council’s aim to continue the effective Euro 6 tests is sensible. However, compared to what is in place today, Euro 7 is much broader for new cars, vans and, in particular, heavy-duty vehicles, requiring significant engineering and testing efforts”, explained Sigrid de Vries, director of the of European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

Ironically, European car manufacturers have pointed out that the initially proposed stricter emission standards could slow down the adoption of electric vehicles. Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault, recently said that the Euro 7 standard, in its initial form, would deter companies from investing in electric vehicles. Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Skoda, admitted that it might be impossible to build small cars that meet the more stringent emissions standards.

Sources: Automotive News, Motor1